Finding the VA Rating for Flat Feet (Pes Planus/Plantar Fasciitis)

Are you a veteran with pes planus or plantar fasciitis looking to get compensated for your disability? This flat feet disability rating guide will help you understand the requirements, process, and what you can expect.

Does the VA Count Flat Feet as a Disability?

The VA does recognize flat feet—also known as pes planus—as a disability for compensation purposes if it is considered to be a chronic condition and it is determined to be aggravated by military service.

The VA uses the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) to evaluate the severity of flat feet and assign a disability rating. VA disability rates are based on veterans’ ability to function and perform occupational tasks.

What Is the VA Rating for Flat Feet?

The VASRD provides criteria for evaluating the severity of flat feet and assigns disability ratings on a scale from zero to 100 in increments of 10, with 10 being the lowest and 100 being the highest.

The flat feet rating criteria may be based on pain or swelling, the use of orthotics or braces, and the limitations on a veteran’s ability to stand or walk for extended periods during active duty.

The specific flat feet disability rating can also depend on the version of the VASRD in use at the time of evaluation, as the VASRD is periodically updated. 

How Does the VA Rating System Work?

The VA rating for flat feet starts by proving that a disability is related to military service. Service connection can be established through direct service connection, presumptive service connection, or secondary service connection.

Once a service connection is established, the VA evaluates the severity of the disability using the VASRD. The VASRD includes rating criteria for symptoms, functional limitations, and deformity. The severity of these factors is used to determine the overall disability rating. 

For example, for a physical disability, the pes planus or plantar fasciitis VA rating criteria may include a range of motion, pain, and functional impairment.

If a veteran has multiple service-connected foot disability symptoms, the VA uses a combined rating formula to calculate the overall disability rating. In your VA disability claim, be sure to show evidence of other foot conditions, as they may qualify for coverage as a secondary condition. The combined rating may result in a higher disability rating than the sum of individual ratings.

The VA may conduct periodic re-evaluations to determine if there have been any changes in the severity of the conditions. Higher disability ratings generally result in higher compensation payments. 

The VA’s compensation rates are based on a tiered system that considers the veteran’s disability rating, marital status, number of dependents, and the VA priority groups they are in.

When Are Flat Feet Considered Debilitating?

Pes planus and plantar fasciitis are generally considered debilitating when they cause significant pain, discomfort, and deformity that affects a person’s daily living or work duties.

Some common situations where pes planus or plantar fasciitis may be considered debilitating include:

• Persistent and severe foot pain
• Functional foot limitations
• Occupational foot impairment
• Recurrent foot injury

Veterans who believe their pes planus or plantar fasciitis are debilitating should provide thorough medical evidence when applying for disability compensation from the VA or other disability programs.

What Kind of Pain Treatment Can Be Offered for Flat Feet?

The treatment of pain associated with pes planus or plantar fasciitis depends on the severity of the condition, the specific symptoms experienced by the individual, and the underlying cause of the pain.

Here are some common pain treatment options that may be offered for flat foot:

• Orthotic devices
• Footwear modifications (orthopedic shoes and other adaptations)
• Physical flat foot therapy
• Flat foot pain medications
• Rest and ice for the foot
• Corticosteroid injections
• Assistive foot devices
• Lifestyle modifications
• Surgical foot intervention

Note that the specific pain treatment options for pes planus or plantar fasciitis vary on the severity of the deformity, individual medical history, and the recommendations of a qualified healthcare professional.

How Do I Send In My Disability Claim?

As a veteran seeking disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), you can submit your disability claim in several ways:

• Online through the VA’s eBenefits portal: Create an account on the VA’s eBenefits portal and submit your disability claim online.
• By mail: Download and complete VA Form 21-526EZ, “Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits,” and mail it to the appropriate VA regional office.
• In-person: Visit a VA regional office in person and submit your disability claim there.
• Through a Veterans Service Organization (VSO): Seek assistance from a Veterans Service Organization (VSO), such as the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), or other recognized VSOs. 

Provide an accurate diagnostic code about your pes planus or plantar fasciitis conditions, service-connected disabilities, and any supporting medical evidence or documentation relevant to your claim. 

Is It Hard To Get a Flat Feet Claim Approved?

The VA claim process can be complex and time-consuming, and the approval rates for pes planus or plantar fasciitis disability claims can vary. But your case will be much stronger if you gather medical records from your service, buddy statements, and other solid evidence.

What Are the Potential Benefits I Might Claim?

As a disabled veteran with a service-connected disability, if your pes planus or plantar fasciitis claim is approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), you may be eligible for various disability benefits, including:

• Healthcare benefits
• Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) services
• Dependents’ benefits
• Monthly Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for surviving spouses and educational benefits for children
• Healthcare benefits for dependents
• Automobile grants
• Adapted housing benefits

Consult with a qualified VA representative for personalized guidance on the potential disability benefits you may be eligible to claim.

How Can Trajector Help Me?

We guide you as you gather the documentation required for your flat feet disability claim—like medical records, service records, and other supporting documentation—to increase the likelihood of approval.

If you’re a veteran seeking assistance with your pes planus or plantar fasciitis disability claim, contact us today!